I'm planning on getting my boyfriend a ipod-ready head unit (plus the cable) for his birthday. He has a 2003 350z. The two models I am looking at are both made by Alpine: CDA 9856 and the CDE 9852. Does anybody have any reviews on how these work in the 350z? Thanks!

 

I have not used those two, but i have had alpine products for a long time. And had very good luck with them.

I see this is your first post, welcome to the forum.

 

For $10 more I'd go with the CDA-9856.

1. Three sets of pre-amp outputs vice one. This will allow the use of two or three amplifiers later on.

2. HD radio ready. From the buzz in the industry the HD digital radio has a great chance of catching on and it's a free alternative to $10 a month satellite radio.

3. CD changer controls allows you to mount a larger CD player and control it from the front end.

The CD-player has the same specs as does the FM reciever. The amplifer's two extra watts can't be heard. So overall the CDA-9856 will allow for greater expansion in the future if your boy friend wants to add more to the system for just $10.

 

Thanks for the input! I'm chosing Alpine because of the positive reviews.

 

Thanks Paul! That is great info. I want one for my car too!
I've read a couple of posts and I see your replies all over the place!

 

Invest a little extra (around $300) and get the Alpine CDA 9857 -- faster access times for iPod and better display. You'll need the iPod interface cable KCA-422i which sells for about $30.
Optional Bluetooth adaptor is available as well as remote CD changer.

 

Oh.. another thing to consider if he has steering wheel controls is to add the PAC SWI-ALP unit. It learns the steering wheel controls and direct connects to the Alpine unit -- it runs about $70.

 

Thanks... I will look into that one too. Is that the one you have?

 

I'm in the midst of installing the Alpine CDA 9857. Adding an amp, component speakers and a sub as well.
Also in midst of home renovations so time is a premium

 

Ahh... let me know how the does. I just checked it on bestbuy.com and that unit goes for $350. Plus, i need to pay for professional installtion. Heaven only knows what will happen if I try it.
Good luck with the home renovations!

Oh, and I like your Einstein quote!

 

If you are retaining the stock speakers then all you'll need is the wiring harness and dash trim kit - both you can get from Mike (mlg9770 on this site) at a good price.

There is a DIY posted here somewhere for removal of the dash console pieces if you want to attempt yourself -- Removal of the old unit is simple once you have the center console pieces out.

If you feel this is something you would like to attempt, PM me and I'll send you some basic instructions. Only basic tools are required.

Cheers!

 

I just bought the 9856 and got it for $179, the 9857 at $350 I feel is not worth the extra money, it's better yes, but not better enough to cost that much more as the only big difference is in the usability and how easily you can access songs through the ipod. So far I love the thing and also did the Ipod hook-up, only down side is now I wanna keep throwing money into it to make it even louder. good luck and nice gift idea, he's lucky.

 

I picked up my CDA9857 locally for CDN$320 -- thats about US$280.
Price quoted me in Portland, OR was $335 at Best Buy

 

ooo connections! I'll be sure to look up Mike once I am ready to buy.
haha, I'm still not sure about DIY, unless I can make an install "date" out of it! Thanks for your help! I've gotten really good feedback and nobody has made fun of me yet

 

Yeah, I think the 9856 might be a better choice or that other one for $196... forgot the model number. The bf is not a car audio guy, he's only concerned with replacing stuff under the hood to make the car go faster. Thanks for the input